Developing a Resource Selection Function Model to Predict Moose Habitat Selection on the Flathead Indian Reservation (Poster)

Abstract

Moose (Alces alces) are central to the cultural and ecological fabric of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) of the Flathead Indian Reservation (FIR). Moose play a key role in maintaining ecosystem health and food sovereignty for the Tribes. However, the spatial ecology of moose across the landscape is not fully understood, presenting a challenge for effective management and conservation. We aim to develop habitat models to predict moose habitat selection and distribution within the FIR, using data from 34 female moose collared by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in the nearby Cabinet-Salish Mountain Range from 2013 – 2022. Our study will identify environmental factors influencing moose habitat selection, predict moose distribution across the study area, and assess the model’s accuracy through validation with cameras. The outcomes of this research will provide the CSKT with valuable tools to inform conservation strategies that help mitigate threats to moose populations due to land-use changes, habitat fragmentation, and climate shifts. Ultimately, this study will contribute to the long-term sustainability of moose populations and conservation of the Tribes’ natural resources.